According to a state analysis released Tuesday, average annual precipitation has significantly increased groundwater supply in California.
California’s aquifers are estimated to have obtained about 2.2 million acres of groundwater in September 30, the state’s 2024 water year. That's about half the storage capacity of Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir.
Local agencies reported that about 1.9 million acres of water were above and below ground as the hosted aquifer replenishment project was intended to capture stormwater and replenish groundwater.
Underground supply occurred when the state implemented regulations to help curb chronic excessive downpours in the Central Valley agricultural areas.
Groundwater replenishment during the 2024 Water Year,,,,, While important, it is smaller than the 8.7 million acre feet that penetrates underground during the wet water year in 2023. State estimates.
Even as California tries to capture more rainwater to recharge groundwater, pumping for agriculture continues to utilize underground supplies.
The groundwater report prepared by the Ministry of Water Resources of the State Council says about 11.5 million acres of groundwater were pumped out on 98 basins, according to data from local agencies that submitted their annual reports. This is the 9.7 million acre feet reported last year.
The Central Valley accounts for more than 84% of groundwater extraction in the state, with most of the water being used to supply the valley's farmland.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said California is collecting more groundwater data than before and continues to prioritize charging the aquifer. However, the state’s water infrastructure is not prepared for the impact of climate change, he said, reiterating his support for the construction of water outlets under the Sacramento-Shandong Joaquin Delta.
“We have completed the barriers,” Newsom said in a statement. “We have to modernize our water infrastructure.”
The estimated price of the proposed Delta transport project is $20.1 billion, causing heated debate. Proponents say the proposed project is crucial to modernize national water infrastructure and maintain the reliability of national water project supply. Opponents say this will unnecessarily damage the deteriorating ecosystem of the delta, threaten fish and bring significantly higher water costs to the public.
When they released the data, state officials said efforts to address the groundwater surplus were given a program called Landflex, which provided a $23.3 million grant to local groundwater agencies, allowing dozens of small and medium-sized farms to take steps to increase groundwater levels.
According to state estimates, the program has helped save more than 100,000 acres of groundwater by reducing pumping. The Ministry of Water Resources said the plan also helps redirect floods to cultivated land to replenish groundwater.
Department director Karla Nemeth called it a “climate-rich solution” for local water management agencies and farmers.
